One of the biggest perks of the Faroe Islands is how many geographic features here you genuinely can’t find anywhere else in the world. The Saksun Lagoon walk is a perfect example — known locally as Ut á Lónna, which roughly translates to “out to the lagoon.”
The walk takes you through the tidal lagoon below the tiny village of Saksun and eventually out toward a black sand beach and the Atlantic Ocean.
I’ve done hikes on almost every continent, and this was still one of my favorite ones I did in the Faroe Islands. It’s not particularly difficult or long, but the landscape is what makes it so special.
There is one VERY important thing you need to know before you go, though: you need to plan this walk around the tide.
If you want the full rundown on the village itself, I’ve got a separate guide to visiting Saksun — this post is just about the lagoon walk.
You might also be interested in: 11 Best Things to Do in the Faroe Islands
Saksun Lagoon Walk: Quick Info & Summary
The Saksun Lagoon Walk isn’t really what I would consider a traditional hike. You’re basically walking through the tidal lagoon from Saksun toward the ocean and black sand beach. It’s easy and mostly flat, but depending on the tide, you may have to navigate around water or climb over some rocks.
Official name: Ut á Lónna
Location: Saksun, Streymoy Island
Cost: 75 DKK per person (roughly $11.50 USD)
Payment: Credit card at the gate (no cash)
Route: Out and back
Difficulty: Easy, although you may need to climb over rocks depending on the tide
Best time to go: Trail only accessible round low tide
Parking: 62°14’33.3″N 7°10’10.2″W | Google Maps link here
How to Find the Saksun Lagoon Walk Trailhead & Parking
This part confused me a little at first.
The parking lot for the lagoon walk is not on the same side as the main tourist area of Saksun. If you drive to the famous Saksun church and village first, you’re on the wrong side of the lagoon for the hike.
You need to drive around to the other side, where you’ll find the parking area and entrance to Ut á Lónna.
I would just put the exact coordinates into Google Maps: 62°14’33.3″N 7°10’10.2″W | Google Maps link here
Once you’re there, the rest is pretty straightforward. You’ll see the gate where you pay the entrance fee and start the walk.
How Much Does the Saksun Lagoon Walk Cost?
There is a 75 DKK fee per person to enter the lagoon.
The walk crosses privately owned land, so access to the lagoon is restricted and you have to pay to enter. The fee applies to adults and children.
You pay at the gate in the valley before beginning the walk. One important thing to know is that payment is by credit card only — no cash.
Check the Tide Before Walking to Saksun Lagoon
This is probably the most important thing to know before doing the Saksun Lagoon Walk.
You need to do the lagoon walk around low tide if you want to make it all the way out to the black sand beach. As the tide comes in, the lagoon fills back up with water and parts of the route become inaccessible.
I was there in October and even during low tide, the water was higher than I expected. I honestly wasn’t sure if I was going to make it to the beach, but I decided to start walking and see how far I could get.
As I got closer to the ocean, I eventually reached a point where the water covered where I would normally walk. I had to climb around it on the rocks instead.
It wasn’t difficult, but I definitely wasn’t expecting it.
Walking Through Saksun Lagoon
The actual walk is really easy. Most of it is flat, and you’re basically following the lagoon toward the ocean.
This was probably my favorite part. You’re walking through this huge valley surrounded by mountains, and the farther you go, the more Saksun disappears behind you.
There were hardly any other people when I did it in October, so for a lot of the walk I was completely alone.
Once I got closer to the beach, I had to deal with the higher water and rocks I mentioned above, but other than that, there really isn’t much to the trail itself.
Reaching the Black Sand Beach
Once I made it around the rocks, I was able to continue all the way out to the black sand beach.
And somehow I had the beach almost entirely to myself…except for a seal.
There was literally a seal just laying on the beach when I got there. It was such a random surprise and made an already cool walk even better.
Obviously, don’t approach seals if you see one. I stayed back and let him do his thing.
What to Wear
I would definitely wear waterproof hiking shoes for this one.
You’re walking through a tidal lagoon, so even if you go at low tide, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter wet ground, mud, puddles, or slippery rocks.
Other than that, I wouldn’t overthink it. Wear layers and bring a waterproof jacket. The weather in the Faroe Islands changes constantly.
Is the Saksun Lagoon Walk Worth It?
Yes. I loved this walk.
It’s easy, it’s completely different from most of the other hikes I did in the Faroe Islands, and walking all the way through the lagoon to the ocean was such a cool experience.
I especially loved doing it in October when there was basically no one around. Between having most of the walk to myself, figuring out how to get around the higher tide, and finding a seal waiting for me on the beach, it ended up being one of my favorite days in Saksun.